Plans to make the UK more energy independent could keep costs low for households, officials say
Families are set to be better protected from the volatility of global energy prices, officials say(Image: GETTY)
UK households are set for a boost over energy bills. Officials say that after conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine triggered rising energy bills for UK households, millions of families will have their energy bills ‘better protected’ from this issue in the future as the Government plans to take back control of the volatile market.
The Government says it is accelerating planning and regulatory approvals for two major clean energy projects, Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels, in an effort to make Britain more energy independent and less reliant on foreign imports. Both projects will also reportedly create thousands of jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.
The Government says it is also pressing ahead with plans to speed up approvals for major wind, solar, water and nuclear projects with a new roadmap published confirming when each measure will be implemented. Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds said: “We are taking back control of our energy supply to bring stability for families and create skilled jobs for local people, without compromising on environmental protections.
“Global shocks from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East show that relying on a volatile global fossil fuel market is simply not sustainable for Britain. These measures are a win-win for energy security, nature and for keeping bills down in the long run.”
Six million homes will be supplied with British nuclear energy through Sizewell C, officials say. The peak of its construction will reportedly see the multi-billion-pound project providing around 17,000 jobs and 1,500 apprenticeships.
Lighthouse Green Fuels is also en route to become Europe’s largest second-generation sustainable aviation fuel plant and the first major refinery project in the UK for decades, Whitehall officials say. Plans are for it to produce enough fuel for 27,000 flights each year.
The government says the construction project will also create around 2,000 jobs and support 3,400 supply chain roles in the UK. Officials say the two projects are set to bring more stability for families around energy bills as it reduces the amount we rely on volatile global imports which have been affected by recent global events including conflicts.
Nuclear Minister Patrick Vallance said: “We are steaming ahead with implementing the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce reforms, including assigning one lead regulator to get nuclear energy projects built faster while ensuring good outcomes for safety and nature.
“Only clean, homegrown power will deliver energy security and bring down bills for good.”
Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy said: “The Environment Agency’s mission is to protect and enhance the environment while supporting the sustainable growth that communities and businesses need. Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels are exactly the kind of clean energy projects where those goals align.
“We are pleased to be able to play a key role as Lead Environmental Regulator for both projects, bringing the developers and regulators together to prevent environmental damage and streamline approvals.”
